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The Answer of Dread

No certainly. For when ye were set on pleasure and delectation of the world, Reason put in your mind that ye did not well, and I, Dread, was with you at all times and in every place; and failed not to speak to you and to put you in mind of the shame of the world, dread of damnation, and of the peril that would follow — as well here as elsewhere — remembering[1] unto you the punishments that our Lord ordained for sin; saying to you: See ye not how graciously our Lord hath called you away from sin and wretchedness, if ye would understand it. How hath He long kept you in worship, estate, and in prosperity, and (ye) coude not[2] know the goodness of God. How hath He chastised you, and how oft; by loss of your children, loss of your kin, friends, and goods, and loss of all those things that ye be not pleased with; and set you in the indignation of high and mighty princes, and holp you out of the dangers and perils that ye have been in at all times; and yet have ye not loved Him and served Him, that in all these perils hath preserved and kept you, and hath been so gracious and good Lord to you. Who should speak for you. I? Nay certainly.

The Complaint of the Dying Creature TO Conscience

Alas, Conscience, is there no help with you? I have heard say, long ago, the world was evil to trust,

  1. de Worde, 'rehearsing.'
  2. ye were not able to.